I usually don't read many links, and I can't seem to post a hot link on this forum. I cut & pasted the text twice but the site wouldn't take it. I'll try to condense it:The Texas State Parks Centennial Plan details actions needed to create a well-maintained, modernized park system able to serve a more diverse, urban and growing population by the year 2023, when Texas state parks will mark 100 years of recreation and conservation service. The plan builds on the foundation provided when the Texas Legislature dedicated 94 percent of state sporting goods sales tax revenue to parks in 2015. It identifies six areas of investment and action for state parks.Improvements to park facilities and infrastructure are a key focus of the plan, with nearly two-thirds of state park sites slated to receive upgrades and improvements in coming years.In addition, the plan calls for developing five new state parks at sites where land is already in the park system but money is needed for planning and construction. This would serve surging public demand, which has gone from just under 7.5 million state park visits per year in 2009 to almost 9 million visits per year now. The five new state parks planned are Palo Pinto Mountains near Dallas-Fort Worth, Albert and Bessie Kronkosky near Austin-San Antonio, Powderhorn on the coastal bend, Chinati Mountains in far West Texas, and Davis Hill near Houston.

While in Texas for two months last year we stayed at one State Park, it was very nice although Hot as heck in July(haha)..had a wedding to attend. I just can't say I think too much of the rate structure for out of state RV'ers. The campground Fee plus 10 buck's a day per person can get rather expensive. At close to 40 a night for the two of us....I was glad the rest of the trip was spent at the Thousand Trail Parks in Texas(free, so to speak). It's as though they are discouraging the out of state campers. The campground(name slips my mind) was very well maintained though!

I like Texas state parks. What I have never understood is why I have to pay a per person day use fee when I am using full hookups and paying $18 to $30 a night. I know there is an annual pass but it doesn't work for us because of the few times we use the parks.

Texas Parks & Wildlife link

I agree with the comments about the day use fee in addition to the campground fees. I stayed at Cedar Hill State Park over the Christmas holidays. I think campers should get a break of some sorts on the daily use fee. We had to pay $7 per person per day, plus the camping fee. Being out of state, buying an annual pass would not be worth it for me.Mike

I think Georgia does the same thing.

Good news for Texas... | Good Sam Community

Acampingwewillg
Explorer II
Jan 24, 2017
TxGearhead wrote:
I'm not questioning anyones truthfulness, and I should call the parks myself, but per TP&WD website Tyler State Park entrance fee is $6.
If they wanted to charge more than what they advertise I would be asking for someones supervisor.

I wasn't questioning your questioning...lol :-) I was only assuming that during the summer months, even though it's hotter than heck, the prices go up. They certainly didn't have any problem filling the park. Its all good....I just checked your link and it's now 6.00 at Tyler?
TxGearhead
Explorer II
Jan 23, 2017
I'm not questioning anyones truthfulness, and I should call the parks myself, but per TP&WD website Tyler State Park entrance fee is $6.
If they wanted to charge more than what they advertise I would be asking for someones supervisor.
Acampingwewillg
Explorer II
Jan 23, 2017
As related, we stayed at Tyler State Park and I was well aware of the 7 dollar per night charge and accepted it BUT low and behold, upon entry, it was now 10 dollars per person per night...for us, not a big deal since there was only two of us but a family might have a alternate view.
Walaby
Explorer II
Jan 23, 2017
In Dec, we stayed at Cedar Hill State park. With the entrance fee of $5 per person for overnight, a full hook up site was $40 per night plus tax. Not horrible, but having to pay $10 per night for access fee seemed a bit much. Having said that, I knew it going in (had done my research), and I was prepared for it. Not upset about it, just commented (and commenting) on it FWIW. I still think some level of consideration for campers would be good, but would probably be reflected in increased camping spots from $30 per night to something higher.

It is what it is, and I still very much enjoyed the time there. It was close enough to all my relatives, yet a great sanctuary to 'get away', when needed.

Mike
BB_TX
Nomad
Jan 23, 2017
Looking at the Texas state park map, and checking a number of parks across the state, I found daily entrance fees ranging from $4 to $7 with children under 12 being free. Palo Duro Canyon entrance fee is $5 per person (under 12 free) plus $24 for camp site ($26 for "premium site"). I did not see any park entrance fees for over $7, so the fees may have been lowered since some of you visited.
accsys
Explorer
Jan 22, 2017
tatest wrote:
I think Texas has a great state park system, and the fees are what make this possible. I live in a state where most of the parks are free of admission fees, and camping fees are low, but the parks tend to be more primitive and less well managed.

I don't understand comments about non-resident fees. My experience is that the fees in Texas are same for residents and non-residents, unlike some states where only residents can buy annual passes, or there is a huge price difference in fees (as in Michigan where the non-resident daily pass is almost as expensive as the resident annual pass).

I would agree that the Texas parks are in a par with many other states, including my home state of Florida.

I don't think the reference was to non-resident fees but the cost to non-residents. They are charged the same fees as residents but since they use the parks much less, a non-resident is much less likely to purchase an annual pass for $70. For instance if a family of four stop at Palo Duro for two nights on their way through Texas, they will pay a 26/day camping fee and another 20/day (5 each) use fee for a total cost of $92 for the two nights . Since they would only be paying 40 for day use fees, paying 70 for an annual pass wouldn't be economical. Whereas a resident that spends at least three or four weekends a year could make good use of annual pass and would probably do so. A two-night stay with 50 amps FHU at the very nice Oasis RV Resort a few miles away near Amarillo would only cost 70 for the same two nights. I will agree that Palo Duro is much more picturesque but is it worth an additional 11/night? BTW, Florida has some of the best priced campsites in the country and charges no day use fees for campers, even for snow birds! :B
prichardson
Explorer
Jan 22, 2017
Each state is different. They run all the way from no additional fee when camping to a daily per person like Texas. Some even have a reservation fee even for walk ins.
tatest
Explorer II
Jan 22, 2017
I think Texas has a great state park system, and the fees are what make this possible. I live in a state where most of the parks are free of admission fees, and camping fees are low, but the parks tend to be more primitive and less well managed.

I don't understand comments about non-resident fees. My experience is that the fees in Texas are same for residents and non-residents, unlike some states where only residents can buy annual passes, or there is a huge price difference in fees (as in Michigan where the non-resident daily pass is almost as expensive as the resident annual pass).
vermilye
Explorer
Jan 21, 2017
While it can be confusing, NY has state park entrance fees that vary with the park ($6 - $10 per vehicle) but allow free entrance non holiday weekdays if there is a NY resident 62 or older in the vehicle. The entrance fee is charged, camping or not.

There is an "Empire Pass" that covers entry fees and can be purchased for different amounts, depending on how many years, even a lifetime pass for $750.00.
Tom_Mary_Lou
Explorer
Jan 21, 2017
We pay for a year pass in CO as we have kids there & can usually get two trips so it pays. I know some states don't do this day fee but each is different. We could probably blame the politicians who see a pile of money & can't resist dipping in. We wish they would allow TX parks to be self sustaining for the most part but I would still take just about any state park in any state over a crowded & overpriced RV park. JMHO

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